Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions news, rumors and injuries

Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell (Achilles', knee) is making progress in his recovery from injuries, but there is still no timetable for his return, according to head coach Jim Caldwell.

Fantasy Tip: Owners should continue to monitor Bell's recovery to see when he will be able to return to the field. Bell likely will be the starter if he is healthy and could be a middle-round draft choice in drafts. Owners that select Bell may want to also select Ameer Abdullah as a handcuff in case Bell has a setback.

Detroit Lions RB Ameer Abdullah will have an excellent opportunity to turn heads in training camp, after RB Joique Bell (undisclosed) was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list Wednesday, July 29.

Fantasy Tip: Abdullah has been considered the Lions' most complete running back, and his value will rise every day Bell remains inactive. Abdullah should still be considered as an RB3, but that will change if he begins the season as the starter.

Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell (undisclosed) was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list Wednesday, July 29, as he recovers from offseason surgery. It is unclear what the specific injury is, but Bell did have issues with his knee and Achilles' last season.

Fantasy Tip: Bell is eligible to return to the Lions at any point during training camp, but he has been very quiet on his injury issues. Owners are still free to draft Bell at this point, but rookie Ameer Abdullah may have an early season opportunity as this develops.

Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell's health will be a concern until the Lions see him back on the field, according to offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Bell suffered Achilles' and knee injuries last season, but still managed nearly 1,200 total yards and eight total touchdowns.

Fantasy Tip: As long as he is healthy, Bell will be the Lions' starting running back. Ameer Abdullah will probably see his fair share of playing time too, while Theo Riddick should primarily be used on passing downs. There is some risk with Bell, but he should be selected as a RB2.

Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky may lose his job as the Lions' backup quarterback. QB Kellen Moore has a chance to win the job after taking a large share of the second-team reps this offseason. Orlovsky ranked No. 29 in an NFL.com ranking of all 32 backup quarterbacks.

Fantasy Tip: Orlovsky hasn't appeared in a game since 2012 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he has just a 57.1% career completion percentage. If anything should happen to Matt Stafford this season, Orlovsky won't be a fantasy option for Stafford owners.

Detroit Lions RBs George Winn, Zach Zenner and Desmond Martin could compete for one roster spot during training camp if the team decides to keep a fifth running back on the roster. The team likely will look for a player that can be used on special teams if they keep an extra running back.

Detroit Lions WR Golden Tate has spent the offseason working on his flexibility and eating healthier in an attempt to improve his conditioning and avoid a letdown in 2015.

Fantasy Tip: Tate set new career highs with 99 catches for 1,331 yards last season, and while his numbers likely received an added boost because of injuries that limited Calvin Johnson, Tate should still be a solid WR3 in 2015 and a potential WR2 in points per reception formats.

Fantasy Tip: It's not out of the question that both Bell and Abdullah can succeed this year. The Lions had two successful running backs in Bell and Reggie Bush two years ago. They both finished in the top-20 fantasy running backs that year. Bell should be drafted in RB2 territory while Abdullah should be considered a RB3 with RB2 potential.

Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron could be in for a big year in 2015, according to Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated. Burke notes rookie tight ends typically struggle, and that Ebron should have a much bigger role in the offense in his second year in the league.

Fantasy Tip: Ebron finished the 2014 season with just 25 receptions for 248 yards over 13 games played in his rookie season. Ebron should surpass both Brandon Pettigrew and Joseph Fauria in the Lions' tight end rotation this season, and he'll be a strong option in the late rounds of 2015 fantasy drafts.

Detroit Lions DT Haloti Ngata is getting used to his change of scenery and is looking forward to the opportunity. "It's exciting. I've never been a part of a defense like this," Ngata said. "You have so many athletes. You just have so many playmakers all over the front on the [defensive] line. I'm just excited to be a part of it."